In Touch October 2009
Leave the first response October 20, 2009 / Posted in GeneralYou may remember receiving an “In Touch” from me, during the run up to the County Council elections. I told you a little about myself and my background, the County Council, and my role as Cabinet Member for Commercial Services and Efficiency.
Based on talking with many of you, and receiving feedback from our Parish Councils I selected the following priorities to focus on:
- Develop Norfolk’s economy while protecting our environment
- Ensuring our young people get the best start in life
- Well maintained – safe roads
- Effective care and support for those in need
- Efficient cost effective services
I intend to report to you regularly on progress against my priorities, via this and future issues of “In Touch”, via my blog www.tony-williams.co.uk, and by regular attendance at our Parish Councils.
Recent Local Issues
Our Parish Councils work hard to represent the concerns of their local communities. As your County Council member I attend Parish Councils and then represent their views at the County Council. Some recent issues have included:
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Frettenham |
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· Affordable school transport for children attending Broadland High School where this is their choice, but not their allocated school, is now being provided |
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Hainford |
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· A key topic at the recent Parish Council meeting was the new Mineral, Extraction and Waste Plan - Public consultation on the plan is due to start in October, at the moment I cannot see that the proposals will have any more impact on the area |
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Hevingham |
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· I have advised the Highways Dept that the promised No Entry sign for the lay-by near the church has not yet been implemented. I have also asked that the lorry exit route from the new lay-by is reviewed · The crossing on the A140 from the Street is now in the top 20 priorities for assessment, against a list of over 200 highways issues that require specialist assessment. The case for action is weakened because thankfully no injuries have occurred, in the last five years, at this junction. However if all schools that have students using buses here identify this as a key crossing for the bus stops, this will help the case · Westgate Street, the Parish Council have been asked to get local residents views on the possibility of a one way system |
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Spixworth |
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· Post Office, the recent unexpected closure of the Post Office is causing concern to many in the area. I am supporting your Parish Clerk in lobbying the national Post Office to quickly reopen this Post Office branch · The footpath improvements in Lillian Road are complete · The County Council will implement flood prevention improvements at Godfrey Road, to complete at latest by end March 2011 · I am hopeful that a pilot scheme to measure HGV vehicles that exceed the 7.5 ton limit on Crostwick Lane will start shortly · I have recently asked the Highways Department to look again at the junction at Buxton Road and Church Lane · Parish Council expressed interest in the County Council’s proposal to introduce a Highways Ranger Service. If implemented, this would provide people to proactively travel the area identifying road defects and getting them resolved promptly. |
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St Faiths |
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· In response to complaints about parking in proximity to the school and crematorium, Highways Dept advises that as people are only able to park on the school side of the road, a general self regulation of speed causes traffic to slow down. Time based flashing lights were discussed, but have not proved very successful elsewhere, however the debate continues. |
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Stratten Strawless |
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· Parish Road Bridge spraying has been completed in order to keep vigorous woody plant growth under control. This has been successful · Having discussed the crossing to the bus stop, outside the Hall, with the Highways Dept this is now on the list for assessment from Highways specialists, however as there have been no recorded accidents at this junction, in the last five years, this location has been allocated a lower priority |
Norfolk County Council’s Future
In September, Daniel Cox the Leader of the Council presented a report Norfolk County Council Organisational Framework 2009-2012, to the Council. This report sets out a vision for the development of Norfolk County Council over the coming years.
Norfolk County Council is a high performing 4* council, over the last five years we have made some significant improvements for residents across Norfolk. We have provided strong community leadership, minimising increases in council tax and generating £72m of efficiency savings.
Our overall ambitions for Norfolk remain unchanged, to be:
· An inspirational place with a clear sense of identity
· A vibrant, strong and sustainable economy
· Aspirational people with high levels of achievement and skills
However, in the current economic climate, and with a strong priority to minimise council tax rises we will need to implement change, co-ordinating and leading the following types of activities:-
· Drive out waste and duplication through streamlining processes and sharing functions where it makes sense to do so.
· Use the best practice from the public and private sector to transform and modernise our ways of working.
· Make the most of economies of scale in procurement across the organisation.
· Sharing of services with other public sector agencies.
· Reviewing ‘core’ business – identifying where the council needs to invest, sustain and divest resources.
As Cabinet Member responsible for Corporate and Commercial Services I will work with my colleagues to ensure we deliver £140 million of efficiencies and savings over the next three years
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